Much of what I learn each day are novel ideas or concepts that stretch my brain to the point of pure exhaustion. I visited the Friendship Village of Dublin (FVD) and my mind became overwhelmed to know there is such a thing as pre-paid life long care. It comes with a large entry fee and monthly payment, so be forewarned that one size does not fit all. However, I learned about what top notch care looks like, from fine dining to lovely accommodations of apartments to villas. The staff was adored and attentive, the security guards helpful, and the facilities luxurious.
CCRC’s are Continuing Care Retirement Communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. A person can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC or life plan community, moving between levels of care as needed. It creates a superbly robust network of doctors and in home care as well, so the need to leave the facility is mitigated. There was a post office, pool, coffee shop, music/theatre hall, dance/exercise studio and facility, and much more!
Friendship Village of Dublin is one of few around the country to have the pleasure of an embedded Social Worker who does not maintain a case load, but rather serves as a Health and Wellness Navigator assisting with coordination of care and linkage to resources. I shadowed Ava today and learned a tremendous amount from this brand new position she is creating from scratch to serve. She repeatedly stated she has “the BEST job in the world!” Ava is able to flex her time between personal visits, paperwork, and being a resource for the Residents. Did you know such a job existed?! How cool is that for both Ava AND the residents to have that extra helping hand every day?
Let me just say, my Grandpa Jim would have LOVED this wood shop. I think that was one of the toughest things for him to “give up” when downsizing. One woman was working on stained glass windows while another gentleman appeared to be making shelves.
At FVD, old truly IS gold!
